Taylor and Aaron flew out from Arizona for a fall New England road trip — and to get married at sunrise on one of the most beautiful mountain summits in Crawford Notch. We had the dreamiest weather, the sky lit up in soft pinks and golds, and for a little while it felt like the entire White Mountains belonged just to us.
If you’re dreaming about a Crawford Notch elopement, especially in peak foliage season, here’s everything you should know.
Why a Sunrise Hiking Elopement in the Fall Is Pure Magic
Fall in New Hampshire is busy. Like… very busy.
Leaf peepers come from all over the country to see the White Mountains light up in red, orange, and gold. Parking lots fill before mid-morning, scenic overlooks are crowded, and popular trails can feel more like a parade than a peaceful hike.
But here’s the secret:
If you’re willing to wake up early and hike for sunrise, you can have an entire mountain summit to yourselves.
Sunrise elopements in the fall are elite for a few reasons:
- The trails are quiet.
- The light is unreal — soft, glowy, and dramatic.
- The air is crisp but not yet hot from the sun.
- And in autumn, sunrise is later than summer… which means you’re not starting your hike at 2am.
Where to See Fall Foliage in New Hampshire
If you’re planning a fall elopement and wondering where to see fall foliage in New Hampshire, here are some of the best spots:
Crawford Notch
Dramatic cliffs, winding roads, and sweeping mountain views. It’s iconic for a reason. You get a mix of high alpine views and dense forest color.
Franconia Notch
Home to some of the most epic ridge lines in the White Mountains. If you’re up for a hike, the foliage views from above are unreal.
Mount Washington Valley (Jackson + North Conway)
Classic New England charm with covered bridges, rolling hills, and vibrant color in every direction.
Kancamagus Highway
One of the most famous foliage drives in the country. If you want easy access to epic views without a huge hike, this stretch is stunning in peak season.
Best Time for Peak Color
Peak foliage in the White Mountains typically hits between late September and mid-October, depending on elevation and weather. Higher elevations change first, then the color moves downward into the valleys.
If you want bold, fiery mountain color — aim for early October.
If you love a mix of golden tones and fewer crowds, late September can be perfect.
And again… sunrise is your best friend.
Eloping with Just the Two of You? I Can Officiate.
For two-person elopements in New Hampshire, I can legally sign your marriage license.
Here’s what that looks like:
You hike to your ceremony spot.
You exchange vows.
You exchange rings.
And after you’re done, I can say something simple like,
“I now pronounce you married. You may kiss!”
Then I sign your marriage license and make it official.
That said, I don’t perform full traditional ceremonies since I’m actively photographing your day. If you’re envisioning something more structured or ceremony-heavy, I have a list of incredible officiants who love to hike and would happily meet us on a mountain summit.
Taylor & Aaron’s Sunrise Elopement Story
Taylor and Aaron hit the trail at 5:15am with headlamps on, hiking about 3 miles round trip to their summit spot in Crawford Notch. We made it up with plenty of time for them to change before the sky started shifting into the most unreal colors.
They said their vows at sunrise with the mountains completely to themselves.
Afterward? Summit beers to celebrate (elite post-ceremony move).
They are truly the sweetest humans — laid back, joyful, and fully embracing the adventure of a 3:30am wake-up call. Their day was simple, intentional, and so much fun from start to finish.
Why Choose a Fall Crawford Notch Elopement
A fall Crawford Notch elopement is for the couples who don’t mind a little early alarm, who love a good hiking story, and who want their wedding day to feel like an adventure they’ll talk about forever.
If you’re thinking of planning a Crawford Notch elopement, I’d love to chat!
